Topic: Unity

Theme: Eucharist

LO: To make links between scripture and the Eucharist.

Jesus’ Prayer for Unity.

Jesus often spoke to his disciples about the importance of unity among them.  He gave them the model of the unity between himself and God the Father.

In the text from John’s Gospel, part of his prayer for his disciples just before his arrest, he makes it clear how they would be more effective witnesses of his love if there was unity among them.

Keep them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one just as you and I are one.  I pray not only for them, but also for those who believe in me because of their message.  I pray that they may all be one. Father!  May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you.

May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me.  I gave them the same glory you gave me, so that they may be one, just as you and I are one I in them and you in me, so that they may be completely one, in order that the world may know that you sent me and that you love them as you love me.

             John 17: 11, 20-23

Go through the text highlighting the aspects of unity Jesus is praying about.
 

Some questions to think about and answer:

1. Why do you think Jesus prayed this prayer at this time?
2. How do you think the disciples felt when they heard this? 
3. How do you think it might have affected their beliefs and their behaviour to one another?
4. Which are your favourite words and phrases and why? 
5. What can you learn from this Gospel reading?

Task:

Use the text from John and compose a prayer for unity.